Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 5)— The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) called on the country’s athletics body to reconsider its decision to drop pole vault sensation EJ Obiena from the national team pool.
In a statement on Wednesday, the PSC also “demanded” that the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) provide Obiena a platform to appeal the declaration.
“We demand for PATAFA to reconsider their declaration of dropping EJ from their rolls, provide him an appeal mechanism and not to execute their decision immediately,” PSC said, adding that not giving Obiena the proper due process was a “sad development.”
Obiena told CNN Philippines earlier in the day he was not surprised by PATAFA’s move to expel him from the national squad. However, the pole vaulter reiterated his commitment to don the country’s colors in international competitions despite this development.
Meanwhile, the PSC also urged Obiena to “immediately finish his liquidation accounts so that we can continue to support him.”
The commission said it would speak to both parties within the day. It also encouraged concerned camps to refrain from issuing public statements.
“We hope that we can all arrive at a resolution soon. The PSC board is set to report all related information to the Office of the President this afternoon,” it added.
JUST IN: The Philippine Sports Commission demands PATAFA to reconsider its decision to drop EJ Obiena from the national pool and to provide the Olympian a chance to appeal.
It also ordered Obiena to finish his liquidation to get continued support from PSC. | @PaulineVerzosa pic.twitter.com/Zyrvpsr37H
— CNN Philippines Sports Desk (@sportsdeskph) January 5, 2022
